The Philippines as a bejewelled archipelago with over 7,107 sun drenched islands, beautiful beaches, towering volcanic peaks, varied flora and fauna, and magnificent landscapes. It is divided into three geographical areas: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippines as a bejewelled archipelago with over 7,107 sun drenched islands, beautiful beaches, towering volcanic peaks, varied flora and fauna, and magnificent landscapes. It is divided into three geographical areas: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The country has several famous historical and cultural sites and buildings that reflect the rich culture and heritage of the Filipino people. The capital and gateway Manila, a large sprawling city by the bay is situated in Luzon, the major northern island.

Tourist attractions in Manila include the old fort city of Intramuros, the Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Republic, Rizal Park, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Nayong Filipino, modern shopping malls and exuberant entertainment theatres, bars and restaurants. Other attractions in Luzon include Taal Volcano, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Pagsanjan Falls, El Nido in Palawan, Vigan Houses, Mayon Volcano, Subic Bay and Freeport, the famous Ifugao Rice Terraces, a World Heritage Site, limestone burial caves of Sagada in Mountain Province, and the cool mountain retreat of Baguio City. Some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts, and diving sites in the ASEAN region can be found in the Visayan Region especially those found in Boracay, Bohol, Mactan Island and Cebu.

Mindanao, offers ecotourism attractions and exotic wilderness, such as, dense forest, mangrove swamps, high mountains and low valleys, swift flowing rivers, smooth lakes, waterfalls, lowlands and marshlands. The Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village showcases the ecology and ethnic culture of Northern Mindanao – its tribe, customs and other facets of its unique heritage. Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country is the home of Philippine Eagle, the largest in the world of its kind. Some of the country's rare birds such as fly catchers, fairy blue birds, sunbird and rock-tailed parrots are also found in the region.

Other attractions include Samal Island, Camiguin Island, Zamboanga, and Siargao Island, diver's paradise. One can also enjoy the enthusiastic festivals of the country, such as, the Higantes in Rizal, Pahiyas in Quezon Province, Paradang Lechon in Batangas, Moriones Festival in Marinduque, Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo, Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Maskara Festival in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental and the Lanzones Festival in Camiguin. Filipinos are warm and friendly, and talented and gifted in singing and dancing. They are also known for their mouthwatering native foods and delicacies with local flavours, and with the abundance of fish and crustaceans from the surrounding sea.

Information

Official Name:
Republic of the Philippines

Area:
300,000 km2

Population:
98,580,949

Capital:
Manila

Language(s):
Filipino (based on Tagalog), English, 8 major dialects and other regional dialects

The Filipinos take pride in celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season or Pasko, derived from the Spanish word “pascua”. The four months that end with the syllable –ber are considered Christmas months, which is why department stores and households start playing carols on the first day of September!

Lanzones Festival is held every third week of October and it is a four day grand celebration of the lanzones fruit. The most important livelihood in Camiguin is lanzones. It is when a lot of tourists come to witness the joyous Lanzones festival.

Held every third weekend of October or on the closest weekend to October 19, it dramatizes the steadfast character of the Negrenses and symbolizes what the people of the City of Smiles do best: putting on a happy face when confronted with challenges.

A religious festival honoring the feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivity begins on the second Friday of September when the image of the Virgin of Peñafrancia is carried by hundreds of male devotees from her shrine to Naga Cathedral. Main highlight is the fluvial procession along the Naga River.

Kadayawan Festival is an annual celebration in the City of Davao during the third (3rd) week of August. It is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living.

The Sandugo Festival is an annual celebration every july, here in the island of Bohol, Tagbilaran City. And the biggest activities is the Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant and Sandugo Street Dancing Competition usually held on the 3rd and 4th day of sunday of july.

Held every June, the festival pays homage to Tacloban’s patron saint, Señor Santo Niño de Tacloban, through merrymaking and a display of the rich cultural heritage of Leyte and Samar. It also depicts how their ancestors came to accept Christianity.

One of the country’s biggest, and most colorful harvest festival every May 15th, along with the harvest festivals of certain towns in Quezon Province. These are the Philippines best known harvest festivals to honor the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. Known as the “Pahiyas”, the festival is deeply rooted in the traditional celebration of the townsfolk in thanksgiving for bounty harvest. Decorations called “Kiping”, leaf-shaped and multi-colored rice paste wafers which are used to decorate the facades of the homes along with fruits and flowers from nature. The visual and culinary feast has gained national and international recognition.
The Lucban town center, about 130 kilometers south of Manila, is a permanent facility for merchandising local hand-made crafts and delicacies including special events that showcase the lifestyle of its environs.